Succession unit (LAW283)

Hobart

Introduction

What happens to your property when you die? Succession is the body of law governing transmission of property on death. Some of the topics you will be looking at include: the law relating to intestacy; the execution, revocation, alteration and republication of wills; the legal and equitable doctrines relating to testamentary gifts; the powers, duties and liabilities of executors and administrators; the general administration of estates including different types of grants; and family provision. We have a longstanding acceptance of the tradition of freedom of testation today – the right to decide what happens to your property upon your death. However, in more modern times that concept has been whittled away quite substantially. We will consider the effects of this and whether or not the changes are good for our society.

Summary

Unit name	Succession
Unit code	LAW283
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Law
Discipline	Law
Coordinator	Doctor Elise Histed
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain key legal concepts and principles relating to Succession derived form cases and legislation.
• Apply those concepts and principles to hypothetical factual scenarios relating to Succession, in order to predict how a judge might decide the issues arising on those facts.
• Critically evaluate the contemporary operation of the principles of Succession Law in light of changing social norms and family structures.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

50 credit points of Introductory Law core

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

LAW683

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly 2 hour lecture Weekly 1 hour tutorial
Assessment	Short Test (15%)|Exam (40%)|Essay (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.